Human rights, equality, victims and other issues (Annex B)
The Government will continue to actively promote the advancement of human rights, equality and mutual respect. In the pursuit of which we commit to the following:
  • In early November, we will publish an Anti-Poverty and Social Exclusion strategy to tackle deprivation in both rural and urban communities based on objective need and to remedy patterns of deprivation. The strategy will build on the good work of the 'Neighbourhood Renewal' and 'Renewing Communities' initiatives. This can be taken forward by an incoming Executive.

  • The Government will introduce legislation this autumn to establish a Victims' Commissioner for Northern Ireland. 

  • We will establish a forum on a Bill of Rights and convene its inaugural meeting in December 2006. 

  • The Government believes in a Single Equality Bill and will work rapidly to make the necessary preparations so that legislation can be taken forward by an incoming Executive at an early date. 

  • The Government will introduce an Irish Language Act reflecting on the experience of Wales and Ireland and work with the incoming Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.

  • The Government firmly believes in the need to enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture and will support the incoming Executive in taking this forward.

  • We have begun consulting with the Parties on terms of reference for a review which will examine all the issues around parading in Northern Ireland with a view to developing an agreed long term strategy.

  • The Government will work with business, trade unions and ex-prisoner groups to produce guidance for employers which will reduce barriers to employment and enhance re-integration of former prisoners.

  • The 50/50 recruitment arrangements to the PSNI will lapse when the Patten target for Catholic officers has been achieved.

  • We will bring forward in the next parliamentary session legislation to give the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission additional powers. These will include the power to compel evidence, access places of detention and rely on the Human Rights Act when bringing judicial proceedings in its own name.  We will publish the Government's response to the consultation carried out on these matters last year, before 24 November. 

  • We will bring forward separate legislation before the end of 2006 to reform entry requirements to ensure access for EU nationals to posts in the Civil Service.

  • During the autumn we will facilitate a meeting of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in Northern Ireland.